I must say I would think that the noise of the sewing machine would make conversation hard. If your spouse was trying to watch TV or even read he might not be very happy with your presence and the noise. I do my handquilting or hand finishing like the binding, hanging sleeve or label while sharing the space with my husband. The only time we are together while I am using the machine is when he is on the computer in my sewing room.
Handwork makes it easy to watch TV, listen to a book on tape or even hold a conversation.